At least 54 individuals are stranded on the roof of a hospital in Tennessee on Friday after floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene rapidly surrounded the medical facility.

Unicoi County Hospital, situated in the northeastern corner of the state bordering North Carolina, experienced such severe flooding that safe evacuation was impossible, forcing those inside to seek refuge on the roof.

In addition to the individuals trapped on the roof, seven people remain in rescue boats. The National Guard and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) are currently engaged in "a hazardous rescue operation," according to Ballad Health, a health care organization that operates a network of hospitals.

Rep. Diana Harshbarger posted on the social platform X on Friday afternoon that helicopters had arrived to facilitate the evacuation of people from the roof.

Ballad Health stated in a statement on X on Friday that it received notification shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET from the Unicoi County Emergency Management Agency that the hospital needed to be evacuated due to rising water from a nearby river.

Although ambulances were swift in helping evacuate patients, the hospital flooded so rapidly that ambulances could not safely approach the hospital.

TEMA coordinated with local emergency management agencies to deploy boats for evacuation assistance. However, water started flooding the hospital building, creating an "extremely dangerous and impassable" situation that prevented boats from reaching the hospital.

Furthermore, strong winds had previously hindered helicopters from carrying out evacuations of the hospital.

"We urge everyone to offer prayers for the individuals at Unicoi County Hospital, the first responders on the scene, the military commanders who are actively working to provide assistance, and our state leaders," Ballad Health stated in a press release. "Ballad Health appreciates the support and efforts of Mayors Garland Evely, Patty Woodby and Joe Grandy, each of whom has extended assistance and has maintained consistent communication with Ballad Health leadership."

' Alexandra Faul and Mike Noble contributed to this report.